Every year, Black History Month is the start of a yearlong and perennial celebration:) Essentially, we celebrate Black History every day; we just don’t realize it. When you listen to music, stop at a traffic light, or visit a blood bank, that is Black History. When you read and process information that is descended from Papyrus, this is Black History. Every time you turn on a lightbulb or try to read the stars that is Black History. The world without the contributions of Black people from across the Diaspora is indeed a cold, dark, and tasteless place.
As we bring Black History Month to a close, let us reflect on the strength and resilience of the Black community, often beautifully encapsulated in the arts and literature. In the darkest of times, “Still I Rise” has the ability to renew us and help us cope in a world that feels as if it is beating us down.
Dr. Maya Angelou tapped into Black Pain to bring us a message that we are seen and we are heard. She comforts us by telling us that our pain is real and can never be forgotten. She validates our suffering like a mother who comforts a crying child. And she cheers us on and tells us that it is okay and that it will be okay. She tells us to find good folk and stick together.
Black History and The Essence of “Still I Rise“
Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” is a bold, empowering declaration of resilience in the face of adversity. Its verses resonate with the defiance and strength found in the hearts of those who’ve faced and overcome oppression. The poem is not just a personal anthem but a collective one, encapsulating the struggles and triumphs of Black people throughout the Diaspora.
As a mother, this is one of the many tools I use to give me the gas to go on or to give my children a quick reframe of where we are, where we have been, and where we could be. It calls us to be better for ourselves and our community. This poem vibrates with the energy of I Can!
Empowerment Through Words
Dr. Angelou’s poem teaches us the power of self-expression and the importance of owning our stories. For mental health, this is particularly poignant. Encouraging individuals to voice their experiences can be profoundly therapeutic and a cornerstone of emotional wellness. Feeling validated is one of the greatest feelings for most people. It is like someone saying, “You are not crazy.” Most humans need that; they need that sense that their feelings are important and that they matter.
Resilience as a Legacy
The poem’s recurring refrain, “I rise,” gives us a visual and a North Star. We can fix our gaze and hearts upon those words. In a spiritual sense, it allows us to call on our ancestors, known and unknown. In the Black Community, it is an accepted belief that our ancestors collectively hold us and carry us in our darkest times. As a people, we are encouraged to call upon them whenever we have a need. This legacy of resilience is a crucial aspect of mental health, reminding us that strength is not just in prevailing over adversity but in the courage to continue rising despite it.
Celebrating Black Voices in Wellness
“Still I Rise” underscores the importance of representation and the celebration of Black voices in all fields, including mental health and wellness. As we amplify our voices, we foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for healing and growth. Inclusion works because it builds a culture of respect that we so greatly need to become a better world to and for each other.
The Role of Community
Dr. Angelou asks us to lean into the power of “We.” Her work highlights the role of our community in overcoming challenges. We cannot do this life thing alone. In mental health, the support system provided by a community can be a lifeline, offering understanding, empathy, and solidarity.
It is that person who listens to our woes or the person who clears a way for us without us knowing. It is an ally who stands in the gap and speaks for us when we are tired or afraid, and we cannot speak for ourselves. It is also the person who gently says, “You might want to …” People need people from our first breath to our last; we need each other.
Rising Together
As we reflect on “Still I Rise” during Black History Month, let’s carry its messages of resilience and empowerment into our approach to mental health and wellness. By embracing Angelou’s spirit, we can foster a world where everyone has the support and strength to rise, no matter the adversity.
In honoring the legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou and the countless other Black individuals who have contributed to our collective history, we recognize the power of resilience as both a personal and communal journey. Let this Black History Month be a reminder of our ability to rise, individually and together, towards a future of wellness and mutual upliftment.
We’d love to hear how “Still I Rise” has inspired you in your journey. Share your stories of resilience and empowerment on our social media channels.
Black History Month at The Holistic Store
While we are thinking that through, boost your connection from the inside out with our wellness supplements and supplies, check out our store for products that help you feel your best, making it easier to open up and connect on a deeper level.
